Antibiotic Resistance

Question 1

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

Answer 1

The ability of bacteria to survive treatment by some antibiotics

Bacteria resistant to multiple Antibiotics: multi-drug resistant

Question 2

What are some Non-therapeutic uses of Antibiotics?

Answer 2

• Treat sick animals
• Growth promoters in agriculture
• Biocide
• Brewing
• Aquaculture
• Anti-fouling

Question 3

How does Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) arise?

Answer 3

“Survival of the Fittest” - Darwinian Evolution

1. Drug resistant strain within a group of germs
2. Non-resistant strains die
3. Resistant strains survive + reproduce
4. Resistant Allele passed on to other bacteria

Question 4

Why is AMR such a negative health crises?

Answer 4

• Can turn common diseases deadly
• illnesses can become prolonged
• Mortality rates will increase
• inability to prevent infections in surgery
• Longer Hospital stays, increased costs
• Harm to Agriculture/Food industry –> Safety

Question 5

How Do Bacteria Become Resistant to Antibiotics?

Answer 5

1. Make Enzymes to alter/destroy antibiotic
2. Alter target site
3. Prevent antibiotic entry into cell
4. Efflux Antibiotic out of cell
5. Alter Metabolism (Dormancy)

Question 6

What is the function of β-Lactamases? What are The Different Types?

Answer 6

To hydrolyze the β-Lactam ring in antibiotics

Types of β-Lactamases:

Penicillinases: Target penicillin (s)
Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases: Break down broad spec β-Lactams

Question 7

How do bacteria use β-Lactamases?

Answer 7

Adaptive Resistance:

Produce β-Lactamases in presence of β-Lactams

Secretion (Gram negative):

1. β-Lactamases secreted into surroundings
2. Bacterial communities protected

Question 8

How is β-Lactamase Resistance Overcome? Give An Example

Answer 8

Using β-Lactamase inhibitors, to stop binding to the antibiotic

Examples:

Clavulanic Acid:
1. Irreversibly binds to β-Lactamases
2. Stops β-Lactamases from destroying Antibiotic